InfoSummary of reviewsWaitakere Resort & Spa offers a highly praised experience for those seeking a serene and picturesque retreat nestled in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges. The location is a standout feature, providing breathtaking views over Auckland City and lush native bushland, creating an idyllic backdrop for a peaceful getaway. The resort’s remote yet accessible setting offers a perfect balance of nature and proximity to city attractions, further enhanced by stunning gardens and a tranquil ambiance. The journey to the resort, though challenging due to winding roads, rewards guests with spectacular vistas and a warm welcome from the friendly and helpful staff, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Guests commend the resort's breakfast experience, which features a wide selection of delicious, high-quality options served with generous portions. The breakfast setting, boasting serene views of the rainforest and the distant Skytower, adds to the overall enjoyment. The exceptional service by the breakfast staff, accommodating specific dietary needs, consistently receives high praise.
Dinner at the resort is perceived positively for its good to exceptional food quality with specific dishes like prawn entrees, lamb chops and desserts like crème brûlée singled out for praise. The dining environment benefits from lovely views and great service, enhancing the overall dining experience. Despite some issues with portion sizes, prices and limited vegetarian options, the restaurant remains a commendable feature.
Regarding accommodations, the resort offers a range of rooms that vary from spacious and modern in the newer sections to some older parts needing upgrades. While praised for cleanliness, comfort and stunning views, occasional mentions of musty odors and worn-out furniture in older rooms are noted. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment remains positive due to the serene setting and room comfort.
Cleanliness at the resort receives mixed feedback. While many find the rooms and gardens well-maintained and commendably clean, others highlight areas needing improvement, such as dusty fans, dirty windows and occasional maintenance issues in older areas of the property.
The resort staff are largely celebrated for their friendliness, helpfulness and welcoming demeanor, contributing significantly to guests’ positive experiences. Despite a few mentions of inconsistent service, the majority of the feedback underscores the staff's dedication and professionalism as key components of a welcoming atmosphere.
Free WiFi is available, though its reliability varies. Some guests report good connectivity, while others experience slow speeds and disconnections, suggesting an area ripe for improvement.
The spa services are generally well-regarded with many guests enjoying relaxing massages and treatments. There are, however, frequent booking availability issues and some critical feedback points include incidences of bugs and organizational lapses, though the overall sentiment remains favorable.
The gym receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it adequately functional, while others see it as outdated and poorly equipped. Enhancements here could improve guest satisfaction.
The outdoor pool is appreciated for its refreshing qualities and beautiful views, though guests frequently cite maintenance issues, water temperature and accessibility as areas needing attention. A heated pool could significantly boost guest satisfaction, especially during colder periods.
Parking at the resort is another mixed aspect. The limited and tight spaces pose challenges for some guests, but once a spot is secured, the convenience of close proximity to rooms is appreciated. Staff assistance during parking further mitigates some difficulties.
Lastly, the comfort of the beds stands out as a particularly positive note with many guests describing them as very comfortable and luxurious, adding to the overall restful experience.
In summary, Waitakere Resort & Spa excels in providing a serene, nature-immersed retreat with excellent service and comfort, complemented by beautiful surroundings and scenic views, though there are areas such as maintenance, dining variety and facility updates that could benefit from further improvement. Show more